This exchange is open to UW graduate and
undergraduate students from all disciplines.
Students get the chance to fully immerse
themselves in Canadian culture and
student life, as well as the city of Victoria in beautiful British Columbia.

Where You Will Study

The University of Victoria is British Columbia's third largest research university. The main campus is located in the Gordon Head area of Greater Victoria, and the total campus spans nearly 403 acres. Founded in 1903, it serves a population of 20,000 students and is internationally recognized for its excellent academic programs and research. UVic is the nation's leading insitution on deep-water seafloor observatory practices, and is home to several interdisciplinary research centers including the Pacific Institute of Mathematical Studies, Compute Canada, and Canadian Oceans Research Universities.

Known as "The Garden City," Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, Canada. Its beautiful rugged shorelines and beaches make it a popular destination for tourists, as well as students who come to attend one of the city's many universities and art colleges. The temperate, usually snow-free climate of the area, the relaxed pace of the city, and abundant cultural and historical attractions make Victoria an ideal place to spend a year or semester.

Academics

The University of Victoria offers a wide range of courses. Students will have the option to study further into their major, to explore Canada-based courses, or to just take classes in which they have an interest. Students should take courses at a level appropriate for them. Certain courses will have pre-requisites listed on the course listing.

The academic system at UVic is similar to that of the UW with lectures, tutorials (quiz sections), and labs serving as the primary instructional formats. Student performance is evaluated by class participation, assignments and two exams (mid-term and final). Most courses meet three hours per week.

As an exchange student at UVic, you'll have the opportunity to take classes in five departments: Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Intedisciplinary programs.

If you’re looking for a record of how courses from this institution have been transferred in the past, visit the credit equivalency database to help you determine what foreign courses might satisfy your academic needs here at the UW.

For more information on how these courses will appear on your UW transcript, please visit: credits for exchanges

Housing

Students are responsible for securing and funding their own housing in Canada and are eligible for university accommodations at their host institution. Housing options vary from on and off-campus residence halls to shared flats and suites. Some accommodations include catered meal plans while others are equipped with full kitchens for self-catering. Students who do not to take advantage of university housing options generally find accommodations in private boarding homes or flats close to campus.

Program Expenses, Financial Aid & Scholarships

As a participant of a university exchange, you pay an exchange fee equivalent to UW tuition (1.5 quarters of UW tuition for semester-long exchanges, and 3 quarters of UW tuition for academic year exchanges). Exchange fees are determined by UW residency status: in-state students pay an exchange fee equivalent to in-state tuition, and out-of-state students pay an exchange fee equivalent to out-of-state tuition. The exchange fee and IPE administrative fee are charged to your UW account and due by the UW tuition deadline for your term(s) of study abroad. You should also budget for additional expenses such as international airfare & transportation, books & course materials, visa & passport fees, study abroad insurance and personal expenses.

The Gary & Consuelo Corbett Canada-U.S. Fellowships Program provides an opportunity for UW undergraduate students to spend a semester or full academic year at University of Victoria. The fellowship awards $7,000 for two semesters or $4000 for one semester.

For the total estimated costs of this particular program, you may request a budget by filling out a Budget Request Form.

For more information about budgeting, financial aid, and scholarships for study abroad visit our page on Finances.

Application Process

To apply for this exchange, click the "Apply Now" button and follow the prompts to create an application. After you create your application, click on each of the links on your study abroad application homepage and complete the remaining application requirements: questionnaires, material submissions, and electronic signature documents.

University exchanges may also require completion of a secondary application specific to the host institution. Instructions about this process will be provided to you by your study abroad adviser following your selection for the exchange.

Program Evaluations

After participating in a UW Study Abroad program, students are asked to complete a Program Evaluation Report detailing their experiences abroad and giving advice for future students. These reports cover all aspects of a student's time abroad, including orientation, academics, housing, finances, and cultural differences.

To see past students' evaluations for the University of Victoria Direct Exchange program, click on the link below.

There are no Program Evaluations for this program on file.

Note: student names and contact information have been crossed off for confidentiality reasons. If you would like to get in contact with a previous participant of this program, please inquire at the Study Abroad Office or email studyabroad@uw.edu.